One year after her husband is killed in action, Julie Ellis is back in her hometown and focused on raising her young son. Then Reagan Harrison bursts into her life—a cocky, charming linebacker who leaves her off balance.

As a successful, professional athlete, Reagan believes he has it all. But after meeting Julie, he finds every excuse in the book to spend time with her. Despite his best efforts not to fall too hard, Reagan envisions a future with Julie, along with the little boy he’s come to love as his own.

While Reagan’s protective love begins to mend Julie’s spirit, she can’t suppress her continued deep devotion to her late husband’s memory. And when a letter arrives from beyond the grave, Reagan resolves to provide her with the answers she desperately needs to heal. Now Julie must choose either to keep her heart closed off or remove the lock and fight for a future with Reagan. Can a second chance at true love be just as sweet?

I
love exploring the way yoga and writing blend together to help strengthen the
body and mind. I’ve been practicing yoga for only two years, and to be honest,
I’m not the strongest or most flexible in the class. I tend to get wobbly during
Tree Pose and huff and puff my way through Sun Salutations. But that’s okay,
because yoga is about learning to be in the present and listening to your body.

So, here is my top 10 list:

1.
Yoga is great for clearing the mind. I’m always amazed at the boost of
creativity I get after practicing yoga.

2.
As a writer, I spend a lot of time sitting in front of a computer, hunched over
a keyboard. Yoga helps keep my body fit and my blood flowing. Not only does my
rear-end benefit from time away from the chair, but so do my shoulders, hands,
arms, back, and legs.

3.
I’ve met some really cool people in yoga class. One of the things I love most
about the yoga community is that we come in all shapes, ages, and skill levels.
I try to use that same diversity when I develop a cast of characters for a book.

4.
Don’t forget to breathe—a good motto for yoga and life. I often have to remind
myself of this when I’m waiting for an email or becoming stressed over edits. Close
your eyes and focus on your breath, sometimes that’s all you need to calm and
relax.

5.
Skill develops with time and practice. Most people don’t come to yoga class for
the first time and do a Handstand Scorpion (a pose I’ll probably never be able
to do). They also don’t just sit down and type out the next best seller in one
draft. If you want to be good at something, there’s no substitute for hard
work.

6.
Shavasana is my favorite part of class. I’ve solved a lot of plot issues during
that quiet time on the mat.

7.
Make time for yourself. Something that I know is hard to do in today’s busy
world. I have scheduled days of the week that I go to yoga class. I also give
myself daily word count goals when I write. Often, it’s easier to make time for
things that are important when you have a plan.

8.
If you push yourself, you will lose your balance and fall sometimes. That means
you’re trying. Get back up and try again.

9.
Keep grounded, both physically and emotionally. Otherwise the stress of the
world will sweep you away.

10. Find a drishti
and keep your focus fixed to that spot. During balance poses in yoga, this
concept is important to keep from falling. In writing, your drishti can be a finished
MS, signing a publishing contract, or acquiring an agent. Don’t become
distracted by movement around you. Your thoughts will follow your gaze. Stay
focused on your goals.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Laurie Winter is a true warrior of the heart. Inspired by her dreams, she creates authentic characters who overcome the odds and find true love. She keeps her life balanced with regular yoga practice and running. When not pounding the pavement or the keyboard, she's enjoying time with her family, who are scattered between Wisconsin and Michigan. Laurie has three kids and one fantastic husband, all who inspire her to chase her dreams.

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